Composition and method for imparting an artificial tan to human skin

摘要

The present invention relates to stabilized compositions, preferably in the form of oil-in-water emulsions, for imparting an artificial tan to human skin. The water phase of these compositions contains dihydroxyacetone and at least one alkyl hydroxyalkylcellulose or derivative thereof. The oil phase contains at least one fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. The weight ratio of fatty acid or fatty acid derivative to alkyl hydroxyalkylcellulose is most preferably from about 10:1 to about 5:1. In further embodiments, these emulsion compositions contain one or more sunscreens, and are also useful for protecting human skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation.